The Co-op Natural Foods to double in size

The store at 18th Street and Minnesota Avenue plans to add 8,000 square feet, by moving into the Davis Independent OBGYN Care space at the end of 2020.

“We opened this space in 2015 following the devastating fire at our Duluth Avenue store in 2014 and the community has been so supportive, with sales increasing exponentially since reopening the doors,” general manager Patrick Sayler said.

“We plan to hold a few owner focus group meetings in the coming months to gather feedback on the expanded store and to explain to our owners the financing for the project. Owner support is paramount in an expansion like this.”

Davis plans to move to a new, smaller space in 2021 and will continue to see patients as usual.

Details of the expansion are still in the early stages but will include a heavy focus on fresh departments, prepared food and cafe seating inside The Co-op as well as a new outdoor patio space.

The expansion will double The Co-op’s footprint and allow for more local grocery and produce options, additional office space and a more functional receiving area. The Co-op has experienced exponential sales growth in its current location, and the deli has been a large part of that growth, leaders said.

“Our owners and the community want a greater product selection and without this much-needed space, we wouldn’t be able to continue to grow our selection,” said Alex Halbach, president of the board of directors. “The board is committed to meeting those demands and is excited about the potential this expanded store will offer the community.”

The Co-op Natural Foods began as a buying club and was officially formed in 1973.